Transfer Centre

How Manchester United could line up with Milenkovic, Milinkovic-Savic

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 July 2019

Nikola Milenkovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are the latest players to be linked with Manchester United, but how would the Serbian pair feature in the starting lineup?

Manchester United are seemingly being linked with different players on each passing day, but the Premier League side have still only made two first-team signings this summer.

Winger Daniel James has been brought in from Swansea City on a long-term contract, while United have also paid a reported £50m for Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, the wait goes on for a new centre-back and central midfielder, despite names constantly emerging in the media over the past 12 months.

United are now being credited with an interest in Nikola Milenkovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who represent Fiorentina and Lazio respectively.

The Serbian pair have reached a stage in their careers where they will expect to be representing a bigger European club, leaving Old Trafford as a realistic destination in the coming weeks.

Here, Sports Mole assesses how both players may feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting lineup.

MNUXI with Milenkovic and Milinkovic-Savic

There is currently much uncertainty surrounding the make-up of United's midfield as a result of speculation regarding the potential arrival of Bruno Fernandes and possible exit of Paul Pogba.

However, regardless of what materialises with that duo, Milinkovic-Savic will command a starting role, either as one of two central midfielders or in a position closer to the main striker.

At this stage, playing somewhere in front of compatriot Nemanja Matic appears to be the most likely solution, working in tandem with either Pogba or Fernandes.

Milenkovic would also expect to go straight into the first XI, despite being part of a Fiorentina side which only finished in 16th place in Serie A last season.

The 21-year-old did spend a considerable part of the campaign at right-back, something which will not be required at United given Solskjaer's options in that area of the pitch.

Victor Lindelof is likely to be regarded as the most suitable partner for Milenkovic, providing that the Sweden international stays at United for at least another year.